The Gbenga Hashim Foundation has extended its financial empowerment initiative with an additional cash disbursement of N12.5 million to small businesses across Kwara State, bringing its total financial support in the state for 2024 to an impressive N100 million.

The foundation's empowerment efforts, which aim to bolster entrepreneurs and stimulate local economies, have positively impacted 1,000 small business owners across the state's 16 local government areas. Beneficiaries received vital funding to enhance their livelihoods and scale their businesses.

Expanding its reach beyond Kwara, the foundation has implemented similar programs in states like Osun, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), demonstrating its commitment to fostering economic self-reliance across Nigeria.

The initiative has been lauded for its role in supporting grassroots entrepreneurship and enhancing the economic resilience of small-scale businesses, particularly in the wake of national economic challenges.

At the disbursement ceremony held at Sity Inn Hotel, Ilorin, Gbenga Hashim, represented by Abdulrazaq Hamzat, encouraged beneficiaries to use the grant wisely, stating that proper utilisation could qualify them for larger support in the future.

“If you use this small grant well and show us the result of your engagement, you will qualify for another phase which will be bigger,” he stated.

Beneficiaries expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, which many described as a lifeline for struggling businesses.